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Sepp Blatter has received a surprise vote of confidence from former Man United chief executive David Gill…

Manchester United’s former chief executive David Gill has labelled Sepp Blatter’s decision to hold the 2022 Qatar World Cup in the winter as a ‘step in the right direction’, according to reports on Sky Sports.

FIFA President Blatter has endured a fresh wave of criticism this week after belatedly reaching the decision. The extreme temperatures during the summer time in Qatar means that it won’t be feasible to play games during the normal Premier League off-season.

It has even been suggested that the World Cup final could be held on the 23rd December, two days before Christmas. However, Gill, who now sits on UEFA’s executive committee, has admitted that would be a step too far, and is pleased that Blatter has seen sense.

“I’m encouraged by the fact president Blatter has come out and said it can’t be on the 23rd and the 18th would be the latest it can be which I think is at least a move in the right direction,” he told reporters.

Asked whether the Premier League will find it difficult to rearrange their calender to accommodate a winter World Cup, he replied: “It’s been decided, let’s get on with it.

“Some of the European leagues that have breaks in January have a bigger problem than the Premier League does. There will still be 380 games in the Premier League, 38 per club. We’ll still have a great season in 2022-23.

“There will have to be compromise on all fronts. Maybe friendlies will have to be given up, FA Cup replays may be dropped, the League Cup semi-final might be one leg. Everyone has to give something up.”